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“Brog?”
There was no answer.
Tor moved off to the bedroom while I removed my knife harness.
“Adam’s not here,” Tor called.
“What do you mean he’s not there? Where else would he be?”
Tor emerged with a piece of paper in his hand.
June,
Brog has a gaming console at his place. I’m going to go hang out there. You two lovebirds have a cozy night. Make sure to tell Tor he can wake you up early again.
Adam
I staredat the note and regretted taking off my knives. That Adam wasn’t in his right mind was completely clear to me. How could he even think, after my reaction this morning, that I would be okay with inviting Tor’s attention again?
Fisting my free hand, I tried to remember Cassie’s perspective on Adam’s behavior as I read the note again but just couldn’t. Helplessness be damned. I’d been in that room too. I’d listened to the muffled beating while they held me down. I’d had no idea what was going to happen next and had feared the same beating or worse. But I wasn’t pushing Adam away in response.
Adam was acting like a coward.
“Tor, do you know where Brog lives?”
“Yes.”
“Take me there.”
I folded the note and gripped it tightly as I followed Tor from the house. Brog’s place wasn’t too far away. Not far enough to stop shaking or to calm myself down. I still managed to knock politely and smile at Brog when he answered.
“Hi, Brog. Could I speak with Adam, please?”
“Not now,” Adam called from inside. “We’re in the middle of a game.”
Any shred of patience evaporated. I stepped around Brog without invitation and stared at Adam, who sat in a recliner with his leg propped and a controller in his hands. He didn’t even have the decency to look at me.
“I’m struggling to be understanding, Adam. I know you went through something terrible, but you’re not the only one. I was there, too. Stop treating me like I don’t matter to you.”
Adam sighed, all the life seeming to drain from him as he looked at me.
“You’re right. I’m not being fair to you. I’m sorry, June. I can’t do this anymore.”
My anger withered at the sight of his defeated expression, and a tight, sick ball settled into my stomach as he continued.
“It would be better for everyone if I stay with Brog until it’s time to leave for the cave.”
“What are you saying?” He couldn’t be saying what I thought he was. Not now. Not after everything we’d been through.
“I’m saying we’re done, June. I don’t want you to worry about me when I’m gone, and I don’t want to worry about you.”
A numb state of shock blanketed me as he shifted his gaze to Tor, who stood behind me.
“I’m holding you to your promise. Keep her safe.”
Gutted and bleeding from the inside, I couldn’t move. I couldn’t accept what he was saying.
“You don’t mean that. You’re hurt and afraid you can’t keep me safe. Both will pass.”
